How demanding is Guagua Pichincha?

Physical level is low to medium and technical level is low. The hike runs between roughly 4,000 m (13,123 ft) and the 4,790 m (15,715 ft) summit, so the altitude is the main challenge rather than the terrain.

What is the terrain like?

Paramo grassland, sandy sections and rock. There is no glacier and no technical climbing.

Is this a good preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo?

Yes. Adapting on lower, non-glaciated mountains is the recommended way to prepare before attempting Ecuador's big glaciated volcanoes.

Why a box lunch instead of a restaurant lunch?

There is nowhere to have a sit-down meal on the mountain, so we pack a box lunch for you to enjoy on the trail.

Guagua Pichincha Acclimatization Hike

A day on Quito's active volcano, 4,790 m

From $130 USD 130 per person.

1 day

Acclimatization

Difficulty: Moderate
Active crater at 4,790 m
Low technical difficulty
Box lunch included
Helmet and harness provided
Hotel pick-up at 07:00 a.m.

Duration
1 day
Difficulty
Moderate
Departure
Hotel pick-up in Quito at 07:00 a.m.
Departure days
Every day, with a minimum of 2 participants (private excursion available for 1 person at double the rate)
Languages
English, Spanish

Tour overview

The Guagua Pichincha crater hike takes you up the active half of the Pichincha massif, rising to 4,790 m (15,715 ft) just south of Rucu Pichincha and northwest of the village of Lloa.

We approach through Lloa, entering from the south of Quito at El Cinto, by the La Mena Dos area – the most accessible way to the mountain. The hike starts at around 4,000 m and crosses paramo grassland, sandy ground and rock on the way to the summit.

Physical demand is low to medium and technical demand is low, which makes the Guagua Pichincha crater hike one of the friendliest ways to spend a day above 4,500 m before you take on a glaciated peak. Adapting on mountains like this one is what turns a Cotopaxi or Chimborazo attempt into a summit.

Meeting time is 07:00 a.m. at your hotel. Round-trip transport, a certified bilingual guide, a box lunch and technical equipment are included for USD 130 per person.

Itinerary

07:00: Hotel pick-up in Quito

We collect you at your hotel and drive to Guagua Pichincha through the community of Lloa, entering from southern Quito at El Cinto, by La Mena Dos.
Briefing: Weather, equipment and altitude talk

Your guide explains the conditions on the mountain, the equipment and what to expect from the altitude.
Ascent: The climb begins

From around 4,000 m the route crosses paramo grassland, sandy ground and rock. Physical level low to medium, technical level low.
Summit: Summit at 4,790 m

Arrival at the top of Quito's active volcano.
Return: Descent and return to Quito

Down the same route and back to your hotel.

What's included

Included

Round-trip transport from Quito to Guagua Pichincha volcano
Certified bilingual guide (ASEGUIM regulation: 1 guide per 2 hikers)
Box lunch
Technical equipment (helmet and harness)

Not included

Gratuities
Anything not specified in the programme

What to bring

Fleece clothing
Sunglasses
Camera
Hiking boots
Gloves
Waterproof jacket
Sunscreen
Cotton trousers
Trekking poles (optional)

Good to know

How demanding is Guagua Pichincha?

Physical level is low to medium and technical level is low. The hike runs between roughly 4,000 m (13,123 ft) and the 4,790 m (15,715 ft) summit, so the altitude is the main challenge rather than the terrain.
What is the terrain like?

Paramo grassland, sandy sections and rock. There is no glacier and no technical climbing.
How do we get to the mountain?

Through the community of Lloa. We enter from the south of Quito at El Cinto, by the La Mena Dos area - the most accessible approach to the volcano.
Is this a good preparation for Cotopaxi or Chimborazo?

Yes. Adapting on lower, non-glaciated mountains is the recommended way to prepare before attempting Ecuador's big glaciated volcanoes.
What does the price include?

USD 130 per person covers round-trip transport from Quito, a certified bilingual guide, a box lunch and technical equipment (helmet and harness). Gratuities are not included.
Why a box lunch instead of a restaurant lunch?

There is nowhere to have a sit-down meal on the mountain, so we pack a box lunch for you to enjoy on the trail.